Read the passage and answer the questions:
"It is with deep regret that we report a terrible fire which, early on Sunday morning, destroyed a large part of the well-known Borough Market. Although the fire brigades worked hard all through the night, the strong east wind helped the flames spread quickly, burning many stalls and storerooms. Shopkeepers and townspeople watched sadly as the market was ruined. Early investigations suggest that the fire may have started because someone handled a lantern carelessly, but the authorities are still looking into the matter. The Lord Mayor has promised a full review of fire safety rules to prevent such disasters in the future."
Which tense is mainly used in the passage?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Past Simple
Explanation
Rule: The primary tense of a historical or narrative report about an event that already took place is determined by the most frequently used main verbs in the text.
Formula: Completed Past Actions → Simple Past Tense (V2 verbs)
Application: While the passage opens with a present tense introduction ("It is..."), the core narrative describing the event relies almost entirely on the simple past tense. Verbs like destroyed, worked, helped, watched, and was establish that the main structural timeline used to recount the disaster is the Past Simple.